Last weekend, shared history brought ALDE Party members Anders and Mouvement Réformateur (MR) together to mark a milestone that stretches back to the founding of Belgium's first Liberal Party in 1846, as one of the oldest political parties in Europe.
Held at the Palais des Académies in Brussels, the anniversary celebration gathered liberal leaders from across the country to reflect on liberalism's historic contribution to Belgium and energy for the future.
The anniversary traces its origins to 14 June 1846, when liberal figures came together at Brussels City Hall to establish Belgium's first Liberal Party. Since then, liberals have played a central role in shaping the country's institutions, from education and social legislation to universal suffrage and economic reform.
For Anders leader Frédéric De Gucht, the anniversary was not simply about looking back.
"In 1846, visionaries gathered in Brussels to found Belgium's very first Liberal Party. Today, in 2026, we are not just celebrating an anniversary. We are celebrating a promise. We have come here today to honour 180 years of history, but above all, to write the next 180 years."
The celebration also served as a reminder of the challenges facing liberal democracy today. Speakers highlighted the defence of freedom at a time of growing geopolitical instability, democratic backsliding and political extremism across parts of Europe.
MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez argued that liberalism remains as relevant today as it was nearly two centuries ago.
"Liberalism is in the DNA of every human being. 180 years later, the liberal movement has never been stronger. We are present in every government and the centre of gravity of the political debate in Belgium. It is an immense honour, but it is also a very great responsibility. So let's not waste this moment or give in to complacency."
A symbolic joint celebration between Anders and MR brought the event to a close. The moment reflected a message that while liberalism has evolved over 180 years, its commitment to freedom and democratic progress continues to unite liberals today in Belgium.